There has been an extraordinary deployment of police personnel across the St. James capital Montego Bay, as police move to reassure residents they can go about their business following the killing of a gang leader last evening (Oct 25).

Dead is 41 year Omar Lewis also called “King Evil” of Canterbury, St. James.

Reports are that about 8 p.m. Lewis was travelling in a white Toyota motorcar, in the Catherine Hall area, when another vehicle drove up beside his and a group of armed men opened fire.

Lewis received multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot. A 9 mm pistol was recovered.

Dead of the St. James police Senior Superintendent, Marlon Nesbeth, says Lewis was killed by his cronies. He was reported to be the leader of the “Nation Crocs Gang” in Canterbury.

The St. James police had named Lewis as one of the parish’s main violence producers, with alleged involvement in several murders.

He was listed among the parish’s most wanted some time ago.

SSP Nesbeth says Lewis was feared and created anxiety across St. James.

The St. James commanding officer says there was gunfire in two sections of Montego Bay last night, but swift action by the security forces ensured that calm was maintained.

SP Nesbeth says the extraordinary deployment of officers is part of measures to reassure residents.